Top 10 - Week 9

Veteran coach Paul Maechtle knows what games to get his teams up for: the games that count. The Seminoles (2-5) went to 2-0 in the district behind a huge game from RB Courtney Allen, who rushed for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Next: Friday at home against Hardee County (Wauchula).

Last week: No. 9

9. Cardinal Mooney

RB Demardre Patterson showed Out-of-Door what it is missing by rushing for 147 yards and four touchdowns in limited action against his former mates, clinching a playoff berth for the Cougars (5-1). Cardinal Mooney goes for the district crown in two weeks at Bishop Verot (Fort Myers). Next: Friday at home against Victory Christian (Lakeland).

Last week: No. 8

8. Braden River

The Pirates (4-2) used their week off to scheme for upcoming district games against North Port and Palmetto. Next: Friday at home vs. North Port.

Last week: No. 4

7. Lakewood Ranch

The Mustangs (4-3) are not out of the running for the postseason, but did not do anything to help their chances, falling behind 14 points in the first quarter of a loss to Palmetto. A game in two weeks against Sarasota will be a deciding factor. Next: Friday at home vs. Riverview.

Last week: No. 7

6. Palmetto

After early season woes, the Tigers (4-3) have gotten on track and moved into the Class 7A-District 10 lead, using a swarming defense to stifle Lakewood Ranch. Palmetto can further cement its postseason fate next week. Next: Friday at home vs. Sarasota.

Last week: No. 6

5. Riverview

That had to be what Coach Todd Johnson envisioned when he moved wide receiver Richie James under center: four rushing touchdowns and one passing in the Rams’ biggest game to date. In two weeks, Riverview (4-2) will play St. Petersburg for the runner-up spot in Class 8A-District 7 and a berth in the postseason. Next: Friday at Lakewood Ranch.

Last week: No. 5

4. Charlotte

The Tarpons (5-2) prevailed in the games they needed, winning their first two district games, including Friday’s showdown with longtime rival Fort Myers that vaulted Charlotte to the playoffs. Now, the Tarpons can vie for another district title in two weeks at home against Port Charlotte. Next: Friday at Ida Baker (Cape Coral).

Last week: No. 2

3. Venice

The Indians (6-2) might not have relinquished the No. 2 spot had they not had numerous chances to win before Largo’s last-second prayer was answered. The Indians have a week off to regroup, but the loss means a likely trip to Armwood (Seffner) in the first round of the playoffs. Next: Nov. 1 at Osceola (Seminole).

Last week: No. 3

2. Port Charlotte

After polishing off Riverdale (Fort Myers), the Pirates (7-0) have a week off before going into the Charlotte game as favorites for the first time in the history of the rivalry. RB Keon Suber led the way against the Raiders with 173 rushing yards for Port Charlotte. Next: Nov. 1 at Charlotte.

Last week: No. 1

1. Manatee

The Hurricanes (8-0) should be in a poll all by themselves. Manatee steamrolled St. Petersburg by using a ground-and- pound attack. In a great week for area runners, RB Trevon Walters rambled for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Next: Friday at home against University School at Nova Southeastern University.